Q&A With Parris Tinianov, SSU Junior Designer
Parris Tinianov with other students during the Sheridan Hackville Event, at Sheridan College Hazel McCallion Campus
Meet Parris Tinianov, SSU’s Junior Designer and student in Sheridan’s Honours Bachelor of Interaction Design program. In this edition of our Creative Corner Artist Talks, Parris opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, adventuring outside the comfort zone, and how creativity has become both a tool for expression and personal growth. If you're navigating your own design journey or just feel curious about the people behind SSU’s creative magic, this conversation is a reminder that you don’t need to have it all figured out to be “on the right path”.
Q: What inspired you to study at Sheridan, and how did you navigate challenges while defining your career path?
A: "Choosing a creative program at Sheridan wasn’t an easy decision. Up to that point, my college experience had been during COVID, and after finishing my graphic design program, I was pretty hesitant to leave home. I had to choose between staying at my current school and living at home, or starting at a new school and moving out for the first time.
I got accepted into both my current school’s Interactive Media Design program and Sheridan’s Interaction Design program. In the end, I chose Sheridan because I knew it would push me out of my comfort zone. It also helped that one of my friends, whom I’ve known since elementary school and went to both high school and college with, was also going to Sheridan for the same program. Having that familiar support made the decision feel a lot less intimidating. It felt like the right step. Not just to grow as a designer, but also to grow as a person."
Q: How have your childhood hobbies and interests shaped the creative person you are today?
A: “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been into art. My grandma was an artist, and she really encouraged me to be creative. She used to give me all her old art supplies to play around with. Looking back, I think that helped me learn how to express my ideas visually from a pretty young age, and that’s definitely stuck with me as I’ve grown as a designer. ”
Q: What’s the story behind your decision to choose your current program?
A: "I started out in a graphic design program, and during that time, I had a web design class where I learned the basics of front-end code. That class got me really interested in web-based design and made me want to explore the interactive side of things.
After finishing the program, I applied to a few different schools and programs that focused more on front-end and website design, but in the end, I chose Sheridan. It felt like the right place for me to keep growing and explore both design and interactivity at the same time."
Parris at her student residency.
“I chose Sheridan because I knew it would push me out of my comfort zone. Not just to grow as a designer, but also to grow as a person.”
– Parris
Q: How has studying your program helped you grow on a personal level?
A: “Studying Interaction Design has helped me grow a lot on a personal level. It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me build confidence, and taught me how to trust myself more. A moment that really stands out was when I joined the SSU as a junior designer. I was nervous and had no idea what to expect, and I definitely felt a bit of impostor syndrome (like I wasn’t good enough to be there). But the more I got involved, the more I started to realize that I had something valuable to bring to the team.”
Q: What's something you learned about yourself studying your program or working for the SSU?
A: "Studying Interaction Design and working for the SSU have both taught me how to adapt to new challenges. My program requires me to change my ideas quickly based on user testing and feedback, which pushes me to be flexible and open to iteration. Similarly, working for the SSU has taught me how to adjust my designs based on feedback and event needs, reinforcing my ability to think on my feet and refine my work."
Parris’s book and record collection.
Q: What passion projects are you currently exploring outside of school, and what inspired you to start them?
A: "Right now, I’m working on a website for my record collection. It’s a fun way to combine my love for music with web design. I’ll link it to my Notion board, where I already track my records, so it feels more visual and interactive. It’s been a really enjoyable project and a nice creative outlet outside of school.”
Q: What’s your current favourite creative form of expression?
A: "Right now, my favourite creative form of expression is digital design, especially when I get to combine visual design with interaction.
I really enjoy working on things like websites, branding, or UI, anything where I can make something look good and feel intuitive to use. I like clean visuals, thoughtful details, and making things that are both functional and fun to use.
I love that mix of creativity and problem-solving, where I can express myself but also create something that actually works for people."
Q: How do you describe your relationship with your creativity?
A: “My relationship with creativity has definitely changed over time. It used to just be about making things that looked cool or trying out different styles for fun. Now, it’s more about expressing myself and working through ideas.
Creativity kind of works like a “give and take” dynamic. Sometimes ideas come really easily, and other times I feel stuck or unsure of what I’m doing. But I’ve learned that those blocks aren’t a bad thing; they usually push me to dig deeper and figure out what I actually want to say or create. Even when it’s frustrating, it’s helping me build a stronger relationship with my creative self and showing me what I’m capable of.”
Q: How do you nurture your inspiration and creativity?
A: “I try to take care of my creativity by giving myself space to recharge and not forcing it too much. Sometimes that means scrolling through design inspo, watching videos, or listening to music that helps me get into the right headspace. Other times, I just need to fully step away; I’ll go for a walk, hang out with friends, or do something completely unrelated to design.
I’ve realized that inspiration doesn’t come when I’m just staring at my screen, trying to force it. It comes more naturally when I let myself breathe, take breaks, and stay curious about the little things around me. ”
“Don’t stress about having everything figured out right away. You’re not expected to know exactly what you want to do, and that’s okay.”
– Parris
Q: How have connections with others shaped your experience in Sheridan?
A: "The connections I’ve made at Sheridan have been a huge part of my experience. Having people around who understand what you’re working on makes such a difference. Seeing how others approach design and think through ideas has helped me grow a lot.
It’s pushed me to look at things differently and trust my own process more. Outside of school, finding a group of like-minded people to hang out with has been just as important. Going to events, working on side projects, or just grabbing food and talking, keeps me motivated and inspired. It’s really nice having that mix of creative support both inside and outside of class."
Q: What creative goals do you have for the next year?
A: "Right now, my favourite creative form of expression is digital design, especially when I get to combine visual design with interaction.
I really enjoy working on things like websites, branding, or UI, anything where I can make something look good and feel intuitive to use.
I like clean visuals, thoughtful details, and making things that are both functional and fun to use. I love that mix of creativity and problem-solving, where I can express myself but also create something that actually works for people."
Parris’ work at the Sheridan Hackville 2025 Event.
Q: Paint a picture of your ideal life after graduation. What are your goals and aspirations?
A: “After graduation, I’d love to be in a creative role where I can combine my skills in graphic and interaction design—somewhere I get to actually design and make things, not just focus on research. Whether that’s working at a design studio or on an in-house team, I want to be part of projects that are meaningful, user-centered, and visually strong. I see myself working on websites, branding, or digital experiences that are fun to create but also make things easier or better for people. I’m not trying to stick to one specific path—I just want to keep learning, growing my confidence, and working on stuff that feels exciting and impactful. Right now, I’m focused on growing my portfolio, exploring different tools and styles, and taking on projects that help me figure out what kind of design work I enjoy the most.”
Q: What message or advice would you share with fellow creative students trying to balance their passions and studies?
A: “If you’re thinking about studying Interaction Design or any creative program, I’d say don’t stress about having everything figured out right away. You’re not expected to know exactly what you want to do, and that’s okay. Be open to trying different things. You might end up enjoying something you never thought you would. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help or share your work, even if it feels unfinished. Some of the best growth comes from feedback and just talking things out with your classmates. Make sure you enjoy the process. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also really rewarding when you start to see how far you’ve come.”
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